Microarray analysis on the differences of gene expression in longissimus dorsi muscle tissue between 1 and 24 months Chinese red steppes

Gene expression in different growth stages showed differences. In order to establish the correlation between gene expression in mechanisms and beef traits formation which controlled by polygenes, microarray analysis was performed in Longissimus dorsi muscle tissue between 1 and 24 months Chinese red steppes. About 1,282 (5.6%) probes showed significant differences at the 2 growth stages and 126 genes showing strong correlation with beef traits formation were gained by the GO analysis. With the KEGG analysis, 63 pathways were found to be related to beef traits formation which involved 73 genes. About 28 genes were found in a single pathway while 35 genes were found in 2-16 pathways, respectively. The panel of transcript and gene pathway analysis in different growth stages may be helpful for the study on beef traits formation and the gene expression profile construction in Longissimus dorsi muscle tissues would also make a model for screening candidate genes which have genetic effect on meat quality in bovine.